Medications and drugs before pregnancy

Is it safe to take medicine when I’m trying to get pregnant?

Medications that can do harm to a developing fetus usually do so in the first weeks of pregnancy – often before you know you are pregnant. Review the medications you are currently taking with your health care provider when you are planning a pregnancy and before you get pregnant. He or she may advise a different dosage or additional tests to monitor the effect of the medication throughout your pregnancy. Or, you may be advised to stop taking the drug altogether. In most circumstances the right treatment for a condition you have while trying to get pregnant or during pregnancy is exactly the same as the right treatment when you are not pregnant. Don’t stop effective treatment of any medical condition until you have discussed that treatment in your plan to become pregnant with your health care provider.

What about natural or herbal remedies?

Many people assume that natural or herbal products are safer than prescription or over-the-counter medications. However, most natural products have not been tested for safety or effectiveness. And very few have been tested for safety during pregnancy. Be sure to discuss any natural or herbal remedies with your health care provider before taking them.

Can I take something for nausea and vomiting?

Don’t take over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies for nausea and vomiting without discussing these with your health care provider first. Diclectin® is the only prescription medication approved by Health Canada for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. You can also try ginger, sea bands, and pyridoxine (vitamin B6).

What about caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and street drugs?

Caffeine. Moderate amounts of caffeine – one to two cups per day – are safe for consumption during pregnancy.

Alcohol. If you are trying to become pregnant, avoiding alcohol is the safest choice. Consumption of high amounts of alcohol is known to have serious effects on your baby (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder). If you need help with alcohol dependency, talk to your health care provider. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Because drinking alcohol is common and half of all pregnancies are not planned, a woman may have consumed some alcohol before knowing she is pregnant. If the consumption was at low levels, be assured that there is likely no increased risk of adverse outcome. Such low level alcohol consumption is not a reason to terminate a wanted pregnancy.

Smoking. Smoking by either partner reduces fertility. Individuals having difficulty getting pregnant can increase their chances of conceiving by quitting smoking. Smoking cigarettes during pregnancy exposes the baby to many toxic chemicals and is one of the most preventable causes of poor pregnancy outcomes (e.g., low birth weight, stillbirth, preterm birth). Since smoking causes significant negative effects on the fetus, it is best to quit before you become pregnant. Quitting or significantly reducing the number of cigarettes smoked while you are pregnant causes no adverse effects on the pregnancy, and is beneficial to both you and the baby. Talk to your health care provider for help in managing your cravings.

Cannabis. Since cannabis was legalized, its use has become more common. If you are trying to become pregnant, stopping cannabis use is the safest choice. Cannabis use by either partner can reduce fertility. While there is limited information about the use of cannabis during pregnancy, it is best to avoid smoking or eating cannabis products while pregnant or breastfeeding. There is evidence that cannabis use during pregnancy can lead to poor outcomes and harmful long-term effects on your child’s development. Quitting or limiting cannabis use to the lowest possible amount while you are pregnant can help minimize the risk of negative effects for both you and your baby. Talk to your health care provider for help in managing your cannabis use.

Opioids. Opioids, both prescribed (such as hydromorphone or oxycodone) and unregulated (such as heroin), can cause serious harm to your health, including addiction, overdose, and death. Opioids affect fertility in both partners and may lead to infertility in women. Opioid use during pregnancy is linked to negative pregnancy outcomes (such as poor fetal growth, preterm birth, birth defects, and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn) and an increased risk of poor long-term outcomes for your child’s nervous system development. Stopping opioid use suddenly (detoxification or “detox”) is not recommended during pregnancy since periods of withdrawal and relapse can seriously harm the baby. If you are concerned about your opioid use, speak to your health care provider about treatment options that are safe and effective before, during and after pregnancy.

Street Drugs. Street drugs are never safe for use, particularly before or during pregnancy. It is never too late to reduce or eliminate consumption of alcohol, nicotine, or street drugs.